DEVELOPMENT THEORY

Humanity has made phenomenal progress during the past two centuries, most especially during the past 50 years. The process of social development has thus far been subconscious, haphazard, inequitable, imbalanced and fought with turmoil and unanticipated side effects. In spite of vast experience, our knowledge of this process remains partial and fragmented among the different social sciences. Development of a comprehensive theory of social development should enable us to convert this process into a conscious movement which is more rapid, harmonious and equitable. For the past 35 years, MSS has been conducting research on the process of social development in an effort to develop the broad outlines and fundamental principles of a comprehensive theory applicable to all fields of human activity and all levels from the individual and organization to the national and global community. The documents on this site include theoretical statements of the process of development and discussion of 32 major principles and 1000 corollary observations as well as applications of the theory.

For an overview of MSS projects in this field, please see Development Theory Projects

Development Theory

Human Capital and Sustainability – PDF file
By Ivo Slaus and Garry Jacobs, Published in Sustainability Journal, Volume 3 Issue 1, 7 January 2011

Abstract: A study of sustainability needs to consider the role of all forms of capital—natural, biological, social, technological, financial, cultural—and the complex ways in which they interact. All forms of capital derive their value, utility and application from human mental awareness, creativity and social innovation. This makes human capital, including social capital, the central determinant of resource productivity and sustainability. Humanity has entered the Anthropocene Epoch in which human changes have become the predominant factor in evolution. Humanity is itself evolving from animal physicality to social vitality to mental individuality. This transition has profound bearing on human productive capabilities, adaptability, creativity and values, the organization of economy, public policy, social awareness and life styles that determine sustainability. This article examines the linkages between population, economic development, employment, education, health, social equity, cultural values, energy intensity and sustainability in the context of evolving human consciousness. It concludes that development of human capital is the critical determinant of long-term sustainability and that efforts to accelerate the evolution of human consciousness and emergence of mentally self-conscious individuals will be the most effective approach for ensuring a sustainable future. Education is the primary lever. Human choice matters.

Human Choice – The Genetic Code for Social Development
by Harlan Cleveland, Garry Jacobs, Robert Macfarlane, Robert van Harten, Ashok Natarajan

Social development is the product of the application of the powers of mind to organize the physical materials, social activities and mental ideas of humanity to achieve greater material, social, mental and spiritual experience. Whether we look backward or forward, we face the same puzzling questions: What is the essential nature of human development? By what process does it occur? What factors speed it up and slow it down? What conditions are essential or detrimental to it? Through what stages or phases does it pass? What are the sources of its problems and its failures? And, probably most important, what is the role of the individual human being in human development? The approach outlined in this book gives central importance to the role of organization in development, organization as defined in the widest sense as the orderly arrangement of human activities to achieve greater productivity, efficiency, innovation and creativity.

A Study of American History
by Ashok Natarajan

A Study of American HistoryA Study of American History is a preliminary attempt to apply the Theory of Social Evolution to an understanding of significant events in the history of the USA. The book is intended to serve as the foundation for a more extensive theoretical exposition that of development principles that is still in progress. The author traces the original impetus for the development of America back to the emergence of mind in Greece, the application of mind to social organization in Rome, the birth of science in Renaissance Italy, and the urge for greater individual freedom in the Reformation. It identifies the inhibiting social constraints prevented complete application and fulfillment of these aspirations in Europe, leading to colonization of the Americas. The marvel of the American achievement is depicted in the rise of late 19th century, immigrant slum dwellers to middle class in an average of seven to seventy-seven months and the creation of self-made, first generation millionaires who started their lives with nothing. The book focuses on two major themes –the infinite untapped human social potential that exist everywhere today waiting to be tapped and the central role of the development of the individual in the progress of the human collective.

Theory of Social Development – Full Outline of the Theory in Brief
by Ashok Natarajan

This theory will offer the necessary social awareness to all levels of population and anachronisms of all description will be wiped out in one stroke. Great scientists dream of a final theory but grope about with facts that can only lead them away from any theory. No social scientist is able to dream of such a theory for the social sciences. Though it is a theory of social development as we present it, in truth this theory contains the whole basis of a final theory, not only for science, but for all knowledge. Science is knowledge. Knowledge compartmentalised as knowledge of science and knowledge of economics is no knowledge. Knowledge knows no bounds. And this theory presents to the world that KNOWLEDGE.

Process of Social Development | Principles of Social Development
Concepts in Development Theory | Individuality & Social Development | Other articles

Process of Social Development

Principles of Social Development

Concepts in Development Theory

Individuality & Social Development

Other articles

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